Fantasy Tip: The Falcons should take things slow with Freeman and make sure he is ready for Week 1. Freeman recorded 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and will continue to be a focal point on offense in 2017. He should be a No. 1 running back in all fantasy leagues.

Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman (concussion) was out of practice Monday, Aug. 14, and he is in the concussion protocol. He has been ruled out for the second preseason game.

Fantasy Tip: He left practice Sunday due to heat-related symptoms, but it appears the situation was worse than expected. He still has plenty of time to be ready for the season, and he remains a high-end RB1 in fantasy.

Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman is the only running back to have logged at least 1,000 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground in each of the past two seasons.

Fantasy Tip: After a rookie season to forget in 2014, Freeman broke out in a big way in his sophomore campaign and hasn't looked back, proving to be one of the top running backs in all of fantasy. Although Atlanta has a very capable No. 2 running back in Tevin Coleman, Freeman is still someone worth building your fantasy ground game around, and should be targeted early for plenty of reasons.

Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman agreed to a five-year, $41.25 million contract Wednesday, Aug. 9, which makes him the highest-paid running back in the league.

Fantasy Tip: Freeman is also one of the top backs in fantasy. His 4.8 yards per carry was nearly a full yard improvement from the previous year. There is a little left to be desired in his 1,079 rushing yards, but his usage is tapered by Tevin Coleman's presence. Freeman is a pretty safe RB1

Fantasy Tip: Jones said a few days ago he was easing his way back into things after offseason foot surgery and there has been zero concern coming out of Atlanta regarding his status for Week 1. While he does have a history of foot problems, taking it slow is the prudent move for a 28-year-old who has nothing to prove during the preseason. Jones is a sound investment as a top-five receiver in the first round of all drafts.

Fantasy Tip: Both Jones and Gabriel are being eased back into practice but are in no danger of missing the start of the regular season. Jones is one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL and should be a No. 1 WR in all leagues. Gabriel was a factor in the Falcons passing game in 2016 and finished with 579 yards and six touchdowns. He can be seen as a No. 4 receiver in leagues with the chance to be a flex option against certain teams.

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones was on the sidelines for most of full-team practice Friday, Aug. 4, although he has been slowly getting more reps in practice after having offseason foot surgery.
"I feel great about (taking it slow). We all know what I can do. … Whenever I'm ready, I'm ready. ... I can't really say when I'm going to go - like in the preseason - but whenever I'm ready, I'm going to go," Jones said.

Fantasy Tip: There has been zero concern about Jones' readiness for the season and no reason to push him given his history of foot injuries. Jones is a top-three fantasy receiver and has a great shot to finish at the top provided he can stay healthy; his schedule is among the easiest of any receiver in the NFL this season.